The following anecdotes are taken from:


THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,

INCLUDING ALSO THE

BEAUTIES OF AMERICAN HISTORY

NEW YORK

DERBY AND JACKSON 119 NASSAU STREET

1859

SECTION 4


P78

GENERAL MORGAN

This distinguished officer commenced his military career under General Braddock, but in so inferior a station as to have been subjected to corporal punishment for some unguarded expressions towards a superior. It is painful to mention such a circumstance; and it would not have been done had it not been recorded to his honor, that, incapable of entertaining lasting resentments, he had been distinguished during the revolutionary war, by generous attention to every British officer who became his prisoner. Commanding a rifle company before Quebec, he was directed, under Arnold, to attack the lower town; and on the retirement of that officer, when wounded, taking the van of the assailing column, he carried the first and second barriers.

He even penetrated into the upper town, and was in possession of the main-guard, giving paroles to the officers who surrendered, when every prospect of success being baffled by the fall of Montgomery, and the enemy enabled to turn their entire force against him, he was surrounded and captured. His bravery well known, and his activity justly appreciated, an attempt was made by an officer of rank in the British service to induce him, by the tender of wealth and promotion, to join the royal standard; but, with the spirit of true republican virtue, he rejected the proposition, and requested the tempter, "never again to insult him by an offer which plainly implied that he thought him a villain.


P79

POWDER AND BALLS

Let ancient or modern history be produced, they will not afford a more heroic display than the reply of Yankee Stonington to the British commanders. The people were piling the balls which the enemy had wasted, when the foe applied to them. "We want balls; will you sell them?" "We want powder; send us powder, and we'll return your balls."


P79

HOW TO SAVE A DINNER

General Charles Lee, while at White Plains, in 1776, had his quarters in a small house near the road by which Gen. Washington had to pass when reconnoitring. Returning with his suite, they called in and took a dinner, They were no sooner gone, than Lee told his aids, "You must look me out another place, for I shall have Washington and his puppies continually calling on me, and they will eat me up." The next day Lee, seeing Washington out on the like business, and expecting that he should have another visit, ordered his servant to write with chalk upon the door, "No victuals dressed here to-day." When the company approached and saw the writing, they pushed off with much good humor for their own table, without being offended at the habitual eccentricity of the man.


P80

NO BAYONETS HERE

At the surprise of Georgetown, Sergeant Ord, an extremely brave soldier, being, with a small party of the legion-infantry, in possession of an enclosure surrounding a home from which they had expelled the enemy, the recovery of the position was sought by a British force, whose leader, approaching the gate of entrance, exclaimed -"Rush on, my brave boys, they are only worthless militia, and have no bayonets." Ord immediately placed himself in front of the gate, and as they attempted to enter, laid six of his enemies in succession dead at his feet, crying out, at every thrust -"No bayonets here -none at all, to be sure!" following up his strokes with such rapidity, that the British party could make no impression, and were compelled to retire.

In every instance where this heroic soldier was engaged in action, he not only increased his own reputation, but animated those around him by his lively courage. In camp, on a march, and in every situation, he performed all his duties with the utmost cheerfulness and vivacity, preserving always the most orderly conduct, and keeping his arms, accoutrements, and clothing in the neatest possible condition. He might, indeed, be considered a perfect soldier.


P81

POVERTY OF THE AMERICAN ARMY

The following incident is only a representation of many similar cases of distress for clothing in the American camp. During the severity of the winter campaign in North Carolina, Gen. Greene, passing a sentinel who was barefoot said, "I fear, my good fellow, you must suffer from cold." "Pretty much so," was the reply; "but I do not complain, because I know that I should fare better had our general power to procure supplies. They say, however, that in a few days we shall have a fight, and then by the blessing of God, I shall take care to secure a pair of shoes."


P83

MR. ROBERT MORRIS

At the most distressful period of the war, General Washington wrote to congress "that he was surrounded by secret foes, destitute of the means of detecting them, or of getting intelligence of the enemy's movement and designs. The army was in rags, had few or no blankets and military stores were in the dregs. The troops, reduced in numbers, must retreat without the means of defence if attacked, and would probably disperse from the want of subsistence and clothing to an inclement season, too severe for nature to support. In a word, we have lived upon expedients till we can live no longer; and it may be truly said that the history of this war is a history of false hopes and temporary devices, instead of system and economy which result from it." All business was in consequence suspended in Congress, and dismay was universal, since no supplies of the requisitions demanded could be provided.

Mr. Robert Morris -to whose liberality the United States is indebted, for the generous manner in which he loosened his purse-strings and gave, for the purpose of assisting the Union in any way, when the treasury department was low in funds -on this occasion quitted the hall with a mind completely depressed, without a present hope or cheering expectation of future prosperity. On entering his counting-house he received the welcome intelligence, that a ship which he had despaired of, had at that moment arrived at the wharf, with a full cargo of all the munitions of war, and of soldiers' clothing. He returned to Congress almost breathless with joy, and announced the exhilarating good news. Nor did propitious fortune make an ending at this point.

Accidentally meeting with a worthy Quaker, who had wealth at command, and a hearty well-wisher to the American cause, although from his religious principles averse to war and fighting, he thought it no departure from the strict rule of propriety, to endeavor, by every exertion, to awaken his sympathetic feelings and obtain assistance. Assuming therefore an expression of countenance indicative of the most poignant anguish and deep despair, he was passing him in silence, when the benevolent Quaker, who had critically observed him, and marked the agitation of his mind, feelingly said, "Robert, I fear there is bad news."

The answer was, "Yes, very bad; I am under the most helpless embarrassment for the need of some hard money," meaning silver, "How much would relieve thy difficulties, Robert?" The sum was mentioned. "But I could only give my private engagement in a note, which I would sacredly pledge myself and my honor to repay," rejoined Mr. Morris. "Cease thy sorrows then, Robert; thou shalt have the money in confidence of thy silence on the subject, as it regards me." The specie was procured, immediately remitted to Washington and saved the army.


P84

GENERAL GADSEN AT ST. AUGUSTINE

[Note: While General Gadsden's name is spelled "Gadsden" in the contents, it is spelled "Gadsen" throughout this article...Webmaster, FLSSAR, 01/16/00]

The conduct of the British commanders toward this venerable patriot, in the strongest manner evinced their determination rather to crush the spirit of opposition, than by conciliation to subdue it. The man did not exist in whose delicate sense of honor, even a shadow of duplicity would have appeared more abhorrent than to General Gadsen. Transported by an arbitrary decree, with many of the most resolute and influential citizens of the Republic, to St. Augustine, attendance on parade was peremptorily demanded, when a British officer, stepping forward, said, "Expediency, and a series of political occurrences, have rendered it necessary to remove you from Charleston to this place; but, gentlemen, we have no wish to increase your sufferings; to all, therefore, who are willing to give their paroles, and not to go beyond the limits prescribed to them, the liberty of the town will be allowed; a dungeon will be the destiny of such as refuse to accept the indulgence."

The proposition was generally acceded to. But when General Gadsen was called to give this new pledge of faith, he indignantly exclaimed -"With men who have once deceived me, I can enter into no new contract. Had the British commanders regarded the terms of the capitulation of Charleston, I might now, although a prisoner under my own roof, have enjoyed the smiles and consolations of my surrounding family; but even without a shadow of accusation proffered against me, for any act inconsistent with my plighted faith, I am torn from them, and here in a distant land invited to enter into new engagements. I will give no parole." "Think better of it, sir," said the officer; "a second refusal of it will fix your destiny -a dungeon will be your future habitation." "Prepare it, then," said the inflexible patriot, "I will give no parole, so help me God."

An opposition to the mandate of the prevailing authorities, was esteemed as a crime too flagrant to pass unpunished. The rectitude of his character, the respectability of his age, afforded no plea in his favor; he was immediately separated from the rest of his companions in misfortunes, and for the remaining period of his captivity condemned to pass his days in solitary confinement. It was not, however, for persecution to daunt and overcome a mind as firm in patriotic virtue as his. Patient under every insult, he felt the pressure of tyranny, but bent not beneath its weight.

Sensible that activity of mind would increase its energies and better enable him to support oppression, he diligently engaged in the study of the Hebrew language, and was hourly increasing his reputation as a scholar, while his enemies vainly hoped that he was writhing under the penalties of his political offences. When first shut up in the castle at St. Augustine, the comfort of a light was denied him by the commandant of the fortress. A generous subaltern offered to supply him with a candle, but he declined it, lest the officer should expose himself to the censure of his superior.

After Andre's arrest, Colonel Glazier, the governor of the castle, sent to advise General Gadsen for the worst --intimating that, as General Washington had been assured of retaliation if Andre was executed, it was not unlikely that General Gadsen would be the person selected. To this message he replied, "that he was always prepared to die for his country; and though he knew it was impossible for Washington to yield the right of an independent state, by the law of war, to fear or affection, yet he would not shrink from the sacrifice, and would rather ascend the scaffold than purchase with his life the dishonor of his country."


P87

THE AMPUTATION OF A LIMB

Lieutenant Samuel Seldon, of Virginia, commanded one of the advance parties, when General Green, after having invested the post at Ninety-six for several weeks, determined to attempt its reduction by assault. At the signal appointed to attack, Seldon entered the ditch of the principal work; and while his right arm was raised, with the intention of drawing down a sand-bag from the top of the parapet, a ball entering his wrist, shattered the bone of the limb nearly to the shoulder. For so severe a wound, the only remedy was amputation.

It is well known that on such occasions the operating surgeon requires the assistance of several persons to hold the patient's limb, and to support him. To this regulation Seldon would not submit. It was his right arm he was about to lose. He sustained it with the left during the operation, his eyes fixed steadily on it; uttered not a word, till the saw reached the marrow, when, in composed tone and manner, he said, "I pray you, doctor, be quick."

When the business was completed, he feelingly exclaimed, "I am sorry that it is my right arm; if it had been my left, the occasion would have caused me to glory in the loss." He recovered and lived many years afterward, the object of affection and esteem to all who had the good fortune to know him.


P88

FIRST PRAYERS IN CONGRESS

The following beautiful reminiscence of the first Congress in Philadelphia is from the pen of old John Adams: --

When the Congress met, Mr. Cushing made a motion that it should be opened with prayer. It was opposed by Mr. Jay of New York and Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, because we were divided in religious sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists some Congregationalists, so that we could not join in the same set of worship. Mr. Samuel Adams rose and said, that he was no bigot, and could hear a prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue, and at the same time a friend to his country. He was a stranger in Philadelphia, but had heard that Mr. Duehe (Dushay they pronounce it) deserved that character, and therefore he moved that Mr. Duehe, an Episcopal clergyman, might be desired to read prayer to Congress to-morrow morning. The motion was carried in the affirmative. Mr. Randolph, our President, waited on Mr. D., and received for answer that if his health would permit he most certainly would. Accordingly he appeared with his clerk, and in his pontificals, and read several prayers in the established form, and then read the Collect for the 7th day of September, which was the 35th Psalm. You must remember this was the next morning after we had heard the rumor of the horrible cannonade of Boston. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that morning.

After this, Mr. Duehe, unexpectedly to everybody, struck out into extemporary prayer, which filled the bosom of every man present. I must confess I never heard a better prayer, or one so well pronounced -Episcopalian as he is. Dr. Cooper himself never prayed with such fervor, such ardor, such correctness and pathos, and in language so elegant and sublime, for America, for Congress, for the province of the Massachusetts Bay, especially the town of Boston. It had excellent effect upon everybody here. I must beg you to read the paalm. If there is any faith in the sortes Virgiliance, or Homerica, or especially the sortes Bibliae, it would have been thought providential.

Here was a scene worthy of the painter's art. It was in Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia, a building which we learn by a recent article still survives in its original condition, though sacrilegiously converted, we believe, in to an auction mart for the sale of chairs and tables, that the forty-four individuals met to whom the services were read.

Washington was kneeling there, and Henry, and Randolph, and Rutledge, and Lee, and Jay; and by them stood, bowed in reverence, the Puritan patriots of New England, who, at that moment had reason to believe that as armed soldiery was wasting their humble households. It was believed that Boston had been bombarded and destroyed. They prayed fervently for America, for the Congress, for the province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially for the town of Boston; and who can realize the emotions which they turned imploringly to Heaven for divine interposition and aid! "It was enough," says Mr. Adams, "to melt the heart of stone. I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old, grave, pacific Quakers of Philadelphia."


P90

LORD STIRLING AND THE BRITISH SPY

Lord Stirling, who was a major-general in the army of the United States during the war for independence, having detected a spy from the British in his camp, and the crime being fully proved upon him, he was ordered for execution. Being under the gallows, the awful scene before him filled his soul with fear and devotion, when he thus addressed the Deity: --"" Lord, have pity on me! Extend thy mercy to a wretched sinner! O Lord forgive me, and save me from the torments of hell!" -The general, thinking that the address was to him, replied, "Don't talk to me -I'll have no mercy on you -hangman, do your duty, turn him off."


P91

MILITARY COURTESTY

In September, 1776, piquet of 450 men from Gen. Heath's division, constantly mounted guard, by relief, at Morrisania, near New York, from which a chain of sentinels within half gun-shot of each other were planted. The water passage between Morrisania and Montresor's Island being in some places very narrow, the sentinels on the American side were ordered not to fire on those of the British, unless they began; but the latter were so fond of beginning, that there was frequent firing between them.

This being the case one day, and a British officer walking along the Montresor's side, an American sentinel who had been exchanging shots with one of the British, seeing the officer, and concluding him to be better game, gave him a shot and wounded him. He was carried to the house on the island. An officer with a flag came immediately down to the creek, and calling for the American officer of the piquet, informed him, that if the American sentinel fired any more, the commanding officer on the island would cannonade Col. Morris's house, in which the officers of the piquet were quartered.

The American officer immediately sent to Gen. Heath, to know what answer should be returned. He was directed to inform the flag officer, that the American sentinels had been instructed not to fire on sentinels, unless they were first fired upon -then to return the fire; and that such should be their conduct: as to the cannonading of Col. Morris's house, they might act their pleasure. The firing ceased for some time, until one day a raw Scotch sentinel having been placed, he soon after discharging his piece at an American sentinel which was immediately returned; upon which a British officer came down, and calling to the American officer, observed, that he thought there was to be no firing between the sentinels. He was answered, that their own began: upon which he replied, "He shall then pay for it:" the sentinel was directly after relieved, and there was no more firing between them at that place; but they were so civil to each other on their posts, that one day at a part of the creek where it was practicable, the British sentinel asked the American, who was nearly opposite to him, if he could give him a chew of tobacco; the latter having in his pocket a piece of a thick twisted roll, tossed it across the creek to the other, who after biting off a quid sent the remainder back.


P93

THE BRAVE LITTLE YANKEE

It happened, in 1776, that the garden of a widow, which lay between the American and British camps, in the neighborhood of New York, was frequently robbed at night. Her son, a mere boy, and small for his age, having obtained his mother's permission to find out and secure the thief, in case he should return, concealed himself with a gun among the weeds. A strapping Highlander, belonging to the British grenadiers, came, and having filled a large bag, threw it over his shoulder; the boy then left his covert, went softly behind him, cocked his gun, and called out to the fellow, "You are my prisoner: if you attempt to put your bag down, I will shoot you dead; go forward in that road."

The boy kept close behind him, threatened, and was constantly prepared to execute his threats. Thus the boy drove him into the American camp, where he was secured. When the grenadier was at liberty to throw down his bag, and saw who had made him prisoner, he was extremely mortified, and exclaimed, "A British grenadier made prisoner by such a brat -by such a brat!" The American officers were highly entertained with the adventure, made a collection for the boy, and gave him several pounds. He returned fully satisfied for the losses his mother sustained. The soldier had side-arms, but they were of no use, as he could not get rid of his bag.


P94

AN INCONVENIENT WOUND

While pursuing the enemy, during an action at Saratoga, previous to the surrender of Burgoyne, in October, 1777, I heard, says General Wilkinson, in his memoirs, some one exclaim, "Protect me, sir, against this boy;" when turning my eyes, it was my fortune to arrest the purpose of a lad thirteen or fourteen years old, in the act of taking aim at a wounded officer, who lay in the angle of a worm fence. Inquiring his rank, he answered, "I had the honor to command the grenadiers;" of course I knew him to be Major Ackland, who had been brought from the field to this place on the back of a Captain Shrimpton, of his own corps, under a heavy fire.

I dismounted, took him by the hand, and expressed hopes that he was not badly wounded. "Not badly," he replied, "but very inconveniently: I am shot through both legs; will you have the goodness, sir, to have me conveyed to your camp?" I directed my servant to alight, and we lifted Ackland into his seat, and then ordered him to be conducted to headquarters.


P95

THE BRITISH LION

In the commencement of the American revolution, when one of the British king's thundering proclamations made its appearance, the subject was mentioned in a company in Philadelphia; a member of congress was present, turning to Miss Levingstone, said, "Well, Miss, are you greatly terrified at the roaring of the British lion?" "Not at all, sir, for I have learned from natural history, that beast roars loudest when he is most frightened."


P95

THE STUTTERING SOLDIER

During the revolutionary war, when drafts were made from the militia to recruit the continental army; a certain captain gave liberty to the men who were drafted from his company, to make their objections, if they had any, against going into the service; accordingly, one of them, who had an impediment in his speech came forward and made his bow: "What is your objection?" said the captain. "I ca-ca-canst go," answers the man, "because I st-st=st-stutter." -"Stutter!" says the captain, "you don't go there to talk, but to fight." "Ay, but they'll p-p-put me on g-g-guard, and a man may go ha-ha-half a mile before I can say wh-wh-wh-who goes there?" O that is no objection for they will place some other sentry with you; he can challenge, and you can fire." "Well, b-b-but I may be ta-ta-taken and run through the g-g-guts before I can cry qu-qu-qu-quarters." This last plea prevailed; and the captain, laughing heartily, dismissed him.


P96

THE AMERICAN SHARP-SHOOTERS

Colonel Forsyth, so celebrated in the last war as commander of a band of sharp-shooters which harassed the enemy so much, happened, in a scouting party, to capture a "British officer. He brought him to his camp, and treated him with every respect due to his rank. Happening to enter into conversation on the subject of sharp-shooters, the British officer observed that Col. Forsyth's men were a terror to the British camp -that as far as they could see they could select the officer from the private, who of course fell a sacrifice to their precise shooting. He wished very much to see a specimen of their shooting.

Forsyth, gave the wink to one of his officers, then at hand, who departed, and instructed two of the best marksmen belonging to the corps, to pass by the commanding officer's quarters at stated intervals. This being arranged, Col. Forsyth informed the British officer that his wish should be gratified, and observed he would step in front of his tent to see whether any of his men were near at hand. According to the arrangement made, one of the best marksmen appeared. The colonel ordered him to come forward, and inquired whether his rifle was in good order. "Yes, sir," replied the man.

He then stuck a table knife in a tree about fifty paces distant, and ordered the man to split his ball. He fired, and the ball was completely divided by the knife, perforating the tree on each side. This astonished the British officer. Apropos, another soldier appeared in sight. He was called, and ordered, at the same distance, to shoot an ace of clubs out of the card. This was actually done. The British officer was confounded and amazed - still more so when the colonel informed him that four weeks before, those men were at work in the capacity of husbandmen.


P98

THE REBEL FLOWER

An officer, distinguished by his inhumanity and constant oppression of the unfortunate, meeting Mrs. Charles Elliot in a garden adorned with a great variety of flowers, asked the name of the Camomile, which appeared to flourish with peculiar luxuriance. "The Rebel Flower," she replied. "Why was this name given to it?" said the officer. "Because," rejoined the lady, "it thrives most when most trampled upon."


P99

RARE PRESENCE OF MIND

At the battle of Eutaw Springs, after the British line had been broken, and the Old Buffs, a regiment that had boasted of the extraordinary feats that they were to perform, were running from the field, Lieutenant Manning, in the enthusiasm of that valor for which he was so eminently distinguished, sprang forward in pursuit, directing the platoon which he commanded to follow him. He did not cast an eye behind him, until he found himself near a large brick housein, to which the York volunteers, commanded by Cruger, were retiring.

The British were on all sides of him, and not an American soldier nearer than one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards. He did not hesitate a moment, but springing at an officer who was near him, seized him by the collar, exclaiming, in a harsh tone of voice, "Sir, you are my prisoner," wrested his sword from his grasp, dragged him by force from the house, and keeping his body a shield of defense from the heavy fire sustained from the windows, carried him off without receiving any injury whatever.

Manning has often related, that at the moment when he expected that his prisoner would have made an effort for liberty, he with great solemnity commenced an enumeration of his titles -"I am Sir HARRY BARRY, deputy adjutant-general of the British army, captain in the 52nd regiment, secretary to the commandant at Charleston." "Enough, enough, sir," said the victor, "you are just the man I was looking for; fear nothing for your life, you shall screen me from danger, and I will take especial care of you."

He had retired in this manner some distance from the brick house, when he saw Captain Robert Joiett, of the Viriginian line, engaged in single combat with a British officer. They had selected each other for battle a little before, the American armed with a broad sword, the Briton with a musket and bayonet. As they came together a thrust was made at Joiett, which he happily parried, and both dropping their artificial weapons, being too much in contact to use them with effect, resorted by those with which they had been furnished by nature.

They were both men of great bulk and vigor, and while struggling, each anxious to bring his adversary to the ground, a grenadier, who saw the contest, ran to the assistance of his officer, made a lunge at Joiette with his bayonet, but luckily drove it between the curve into his coat. In attempting to withdraw the entangled weapon, he threw both the combatants to the ground; when getting it free, he raised it deliberately, determined not to fail again in his purpose, but to transfix Joiett.

It was at this crisis that Manning approached -not near enough, however, to reach the grenadier with his arm. In order to gain time, and to arrest the stroke, he exclaimed in an angry and authoritative tone -"You brute, will you murder the gentleman?" The soldier, supposing himself addressed by one of his own officers, suspended the contemplated blow, and looked around to see the person who had thus spoken to him.

Before he could recover from the surprise into which he had been thrown, Manning, now sufficiently near him, smote him with his sword across the eyes, and felled him to the ground; while Joiett disengaged himself from his opponent, and snatching up the musket as he attempted to rise, laid him dead by a blow from the butt-end of it. Manning was of inferior size, but strong and remarkably well formed -Joiette, literally speaking, a giant. This probably led Barry, who could not have wished the particulars of his capture to be commented on, to reply, when asked by his brother officers how he came to be taken, "I was overpowered by a huge Virginian."


P101

THE CHEVALIER DUPLESSIS MAUDUIT

This young Frenchman, who in his twentieth year drew his sword in the cause of America, has the credit of displaying the most romantic gallantry at the battle of Germantown. The laurels gained by this chivalrous youth, in the successful defence of the fortress at Red Bank, against a powerful detachment of Hessians, led on by Colonel Dunop, were no less honorable to him. So certain were the assailants of victory, so confidant of their own superiority, both in discipline and valor, that on their approach to the American lines, one of the officers, advancing in front of his troops, exclaimed -"The king of England orders his rebellious subjects to lay down their arms; and they are warned, that if they stand the battle, no quarter whatever will be given." It was immediately answered -"Agreed! The challenge is accepted! There shall be no quarter on either side!"

It is unnecessary to detail particulars of the action that immediately followed. The defeat of the Hessians was complete. Their leader and a large portion of the detachment fell. It might have been expected, after the threatening denunciation of vengeance held out, that, in just retaliation, indulgence might have been given to resentment; but with victory, humanity regained its benign influence in every American bosom, and the vanquished experienced every kind and benevolent attention that could sooth their misfortunes, and teach them more highly to appreciate the courage and forbearance of an enemy against whom they were prepared to execute such deadly animosity. The unfortunate Donop, who fell mortally wounded, turning, when nearly in the agonies of death, to M. de Mauduit, said with great expression of feeling -"My career is short, I die the victim of my ambition, and of the avarice of my king, but in dying in the arms of honor, I have no regrets."

We cannot leave the generous Mauduit without briefly noticing his lamentable and untimely end. On the 3d of March, 1791, the day previous to his assassination, the Baron de Carendeffex, with a few other of his friends, repaired to the government-house at Port-au Prince, the spirit of revolt then being at its height in the Island of St. Domingo, to warn him of the danger which threatened him the storm ready to burst on his head, and emphatically said -"Your regiment -the regiments of Artois and Normandie are in insurrection -the sailors in the port, and every miscreant in the place, have sworn your destruction -believe the information we give you -quit the scene of horror -you cannot otherwise escape destruction."

With dignity, he answered -"I know the risk that I run -the danger to which I expose myself; but honor bids me remain at my post. Death is my destiny -I expect it. But there stands my commander," (pointing to M. de Blanchelande,) "if he bids me depart, I obey; if he does not, I die, on this spot." He then added -"Remember, my friends, that I predict, that that scoundrel will save himself, leaving me to pay the forfeit."

He judged with accuracy; the general fled, leaving the brave Mauduit at the mercy of exasperated assassins, to whose ferocity he became a victim. But, although the commander escaped from the present danger, yet he did not altogether escape, for the moment he arrived in France, he perished by the hands of the executioner.


P103

DEFENDING AN ENEMY

Captain Butler, who headed a marauding party under a British commission, surrendered himself on the terms held out to the disaffected, by a proclamation of Governor Matthews. A more sanguinary being did not exist. He had cruelly oppressed some of the whig inhabitants, and but a little before murdered some of the Americans whose friends were then in camp. Irritated to madness, and to a disregard of all sense of duty, at the thought that such a man was, by submission, to escape the just reward of his crimes, a hasty and intemperate message was sent to General Marion, purporting that such a villain should not receive protection.

To this insulting communication, Marion calmly replied -"Confidently believing that the pardon suffered by Matthews would be granted, the man whom you would destroy has submitted. Both law and honor sanction my resolution. I will take him to my tent, and at the hazard of my life protect him." A second message now informed him that Butler would be dragged from his tent and put to death -since it was an insult to humanity, that such a wretch should be defended.

The honorable feeling of Marion was now exalted to the highest pitch, and calling the gentlemen of his family together, he exclaimed: "Is there a man among you who will refuse his aid in defending the laws of his country? I know you too well to suppose it! Prepare then to give me your assistance; for though I consider the villany of Butler unparalleled, yet, as an officer acting under orders, I am bound to defend him; and I will do so, though I perish." He then collected a guard around the tent into which he had introduced him, and at an early hour after nightfall, had him conveyed to a place of security.


P105

MRS. ISAAC HOLMES

Among the patriots selected for transportation to St. Augustine, was Mr. Isaac Holmes. The imperious call on him at early dawn to quit his chamber, and deliver himself up to the guard who waited to carry him off, caused him to descend the stairs when but partially dressed. His gentle wife, appalled by no fears, exhibiting no symptoms of despondency, had followed him in silence. The mandate being given for departure, she handed him his coat, and with undaunted resolution said, "Take it, my husband, and submit. Waver not in your principles, but be true to your country. Have no fears for your family; God is good, and will provide for them."


P106

THE FRENCHMAN AND THE NEGRO

There was in the legion of Pulaski a young French officer of singularly fine form and appearance, named Celeron; as he passed the dwelling of Mrs. Elliot, a British major, whose name is lost, significantly pointing him out, said -"See, Mrs. Elliot, one of your illustrious allies -what a pity it is that the hero has lost his sword." "Had two thousand such men," replied the lady, "been present to aid in the defence of our city, think you, sir, that I should ever have been subjected to the malignity of your observation?" At the moment, a negro, trigged out in full British uniform, happened to pass -"See, major," continued she," one of your allies -how with gratitude for the service received from such honorable associates -caress and cherish them -the fraternity is excellent, and will teach us more steadily to contend against the results."


P106

FEMALE WIT

The haughty Tarleton, vaunting his feats of gallantry to the great disparagement of the officers of the continental cavalry, said to a lady at Wilmington, "I have a very earnest desire to see your far-famed hero, Colonel Washington." "Your wish, Colonel, might have been fully gratified," she promptly replied, "had you ventured to look behind you after the battle of the Cowpens." It was in this battle that Washington had wounded Tarleton in the hand, which gave rise to a still more pointed retort. Conversing with Mrs. Wiley Jones, Colonel Tarleton observed -"You appear to think very highly of Colonel Washington; and yet I have been told, that he is so ignorant a fellow that he can hardly write his own name." "It may be the case," she readily replied, "but not better than yourself, Colonel, can testify that he knows how to make his mark."


P107

MRS. JACOB MOTTE

The patriotic enthusiasm of Mrs. Jacob Motte demands particular notice. When compelled by painful duty, Lieutenant Colonel Lee informed her, "that in order to accomplish the immediate surrender of the British garrison occupying her elegant mansion, its destruction was indispensable," she instantly replied -"The sacrifice of my property is nothing, and I shall view its destruction with delight, if it shall to any degree contribute to the good of my country." In proof of her sincerity, she immediately presented the arrows by which combustible matter was to be conveyed to the building.


P108

MRS. THOMAS HEYWARD

An order having been issued for a general illumination, to celebrate the supposed victory at Guilford, the front of the house occupied by Mrs. Heyward and her sister, Mrs. George Abbot Hall, remained in darkness. Indignant at so decided a mark of disrespect, an officer forced his way into her presence, and sternly demanded of Mrs. Heyward, "How dare you disobey the order which has been issued; why, madam, is not your house illuminated?" "Is it possible for me, sir," replied the lady with perfect calmness, "to feel a spark of joy! Can I celebrate the victory of your army, while my husband remains a prisoner at St. Augustine." "That," rejoined the officer, "is a matter of little consequence; the last hopes of rebellion are crushed by the defeat of Greene; you shall illuminate."

"Not a single light," replied the lady, "shall be placed with my consent, on such an occasion, in any window in the house." Then, madam, I will return with a party, and before midnight level it to the ground." "You have power to destroy, sir, and seem well disposed to use it, but over my opinions you possess no control. I disregard your menaces, and resolutely declare, I will not illuminate."

Mrs. Heyward was graceful and majestic in person, beautiful in countenance, angelic in disposition. None but a ruffian could have treated her with indignity. On the anniversary of the surrender of Charleston, May 12th, 1781, an illumination was again demanded in the cause of Britain. Mrs. G. A. Hall, who labored under a wasting disease, lay at the point of death. Again Mrs. Heyward refused to obey. Violent anger was excited, and the house was assailed by a mob with brickbats, and every species of nauseating trash that could offend or annoy. Her resolution remained unshaken, and while the tumult continued, and shouts and clamor increased indignantly, Mrs. Hall expired.

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